EPA

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program

Walnut Way Letter of Support Draft Template - EPA Grant

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Conceptual Starting Point - Update 3/8/2024 - How can we positively impact the lives of 5300 in targeted neighbohrood individuals through a variety of approaches focusing on voting capabilities, marketable skills, healthy housing (affordable rental and home owernship), stable transportation, and healthcare access?

The project is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at fostering environmental justice, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Positioned as a comprehensive response to pressing environmental concerns, the project leverages the collective strength of Walnut Way and its partner organizations, deploying a budget of approximately 20 million to be distributed over 36 months. Update 3/8/2024 - How can we attract matching funds to seize the opportunity for long-term sustainability?

The project involves education, capacity building, governance participation, and environmental stewarding, with a specific focus on energy efficiency, weatherization, storm water management, healthy home resources, and data collection. An important aspect of the initiative includes the implementation of a micro-grid for subscription-based renewable energy access, as well as weatherizing 300 homes and significant green infrastructure projects. 

A critical part of this effort is the Resilient Resident Civic Engagement Compensation Program. This innovative program provides a method for community members to gain recognition and compensation for their contribution to the project, providing a way to earn additional income and engage in civic activities. Overall, the project aims for a holistic transformation of urban infrastructure and the creation of a sustainable, equitable community. Update 3/8/2024 - We must clearly outline how resident led initiatives can access direct recourses for self-directed projects programs and initiatives - toward a more cohesive community.

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1. Writing Team: Led by Antonio Butts from Walnut Way (antonio@walnutway.org), who acts as the lead agency and convener. Core members include Oliver Schmitz from the Grainger Institute for Engineering (oschmitz@wisc.edu) and Dr. Nilanjan Lodh from Marquette University College of Health Sciences (nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu). Other key contributors are Chelsea Chandler from Clean Wisconsin (cchandler@cleanwisconsin.org) and Jodi Jean Amble from Renew Wisconsin (jodi@renewwisconsin.org). Update 3/8/2024 - Slip Stream is currently leading the initial phases of the proposal writing process (slipstream contact: Sarah Dooling sdooling@slipstreaminc.org). Next phases will include collaborative review and feedback. Submission date goals April 15, 2024.  

   • Responsible for writing proposals, reports, and ensuring clear communication among all teams. Their key tasks include project documentation, proposal development, and interteam communication.

      

2. Green Infrastructure Team: Breanne Plier from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (bplier@mmsd.com) now holds a core leadership role in this team.  Randy Krous of Milwaukee's Forestry Apprenticeship program (rkrous@milwaukee.gov), Jiquinna Cohen from Milwaukee Public Schools (505@milwaukee.k12.wi.us), Chuck Schumacher from the Milwaukee Department of Public Works (cschum@milwaukee.gov), Lafayette L. Crump from the Department of City Development (lafayette.crump@milwaukee.gov), and Langston Verdin from MKE Fresh Air Collective (langston@mkefreshair.com). Update 3/8/2024 - Strategy is emerging between Urban Ecology, Ground Works and Walnut Way for aligned training and implementation approach.  

   •  Habitat restoration, forestry-related tasks, and sustainable urban planning. Key tasks involve implementing green infrastructure projects, coordinating with city departments and schools, and monitoring air quality.​

      

3. Health Research Team: This team maintains its focus on health-related aspects of environmental issues, with Dr. Nilanjan Lodh from Marquette University College of Health Sciences (nilanjan.lodh@marquette.edu) serving as a member in addition to his role in the Writing Team. Other team members include Michael Mannan from the City of Milwaukee Health Department (mamanna@milwaukee.gov) and Nicole Mubanga from Outreach Health Systems (nicolem@orchc-milw.org).Update 3/8/2024 - To repurpose the former Children's Hospital Pediatric Care Center at the previous Next Door Foundation site in 53210 Metcalf Park, the goal is to establish a community clinic for family practice. Children's previously served over 1,500 families from this site. Currently, there is no other clinic or primary care facility within a 4-square-mile radius of the community. Potential partnerships with federally qualified health centers are being considered in this initiative as we plan for the next steps.

   • focuses on the health impacts of environmental issues. Their main objective is to optimize health systems and conduct medical research related to the environment. This includes studying the effects of pollution on public health, researching new methods to mitigate these impacts, and working closely with health departments to implement findings.​

      

4. Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Team including workforce training: This team includes Calleb Zyduck from WE Energies - Business Services (calleb.zyduck@wecenergygroup.com) and Nic Schueller from Focus on Energy (nic.schueller@focusonenergy.com). They work closely with Dan Streit from Slipstream (dstreit@slipstreaminc.org) and Abigail Corso from Elevate (Abigail.Corso@elevatenp.org) to implement and evaluate energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures, promote energy conservation, and provide technical expertise. Update 3/8/2024 , the acquisition of eight to 12 navigators strategically positioned partner locations to facilitate and implement inflation reduction measures, focusing on owner occupants, particularly seniors and low to middle-income families. A cohort of up to 16 organizations is engaged in an ecosystem of support to enhance stability access.

   • promote energy conservation and renewable energy use in Milwaukee. They work on implementing energy-efficient technologies and infrastructures, managing stormwater, and providing technical expertise. Their key tasks include conducting energy audits, implementing energy-saving measures, and educating the public about energy efficiency.

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